My great weakness is for stories set in space, which is where we are by the start of Colonus by Ken Pisani and Arturo Lauria. The concept is high concept… but also effortless. In a future where Earth is no more, the survivors have split into two groups. The prisoners, madmen, outcasts have been exiled to Venus, whilst the rest of the world colonises Mars. Whilst the easier surroundings on Mars bring out the worst in humanity and create a new society which grows fat, lazy, undisciplined and stupid – the hardships of Venus force the inhabitants to work hard to make their planet somewhere worth living.

But once Mars notices that Venus is improving itself, it comes calling.

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That is a FANTASTIC premise, as far as I’m concerned. It plays to an incredible, brilliant allegory which I’m sure the creators are also aware of – the growth of countries into power. As countries like America and the UK grow lazy and restless, how are they going to react when countries like China suddenly wake up and start asserting themselves? Will they leave them alone, or will they try to interfere? I think we all know the answer to that one.

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Aside from the premise, what most grabbed my attention was Arturo Lauria’s artwork, which is striking and bold. There’s an element of Mike Mignola to the style, and the colouring is just fantastic. If you want to take a closer look, head across to http://colonusgraphicnovel.tumblr.com

Steve is tweets @stevewmorris

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